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THE 

BIRTH OF 
THE FLAG 



THE BIRTH OF THE FLAG 

A Novelty in Three Acts 



BY 

MARY C. LEE 

All Rights Reserved 



SYNOPSIS 

Act I Home of Betsy Ross 

Act II Home of Rachel Sympson 

Act III Receiving the Flag at the Home of Betsv Ross 






CHARACTERS 

Betsy Ross, the widow of John Ross 

Phoebe Allen, a quaker maid 

Manda Spooner, a gossip 

Rachel Sympson, a plain woman 

Abigail Hunter, a deaf woman 

Patience Loveall, an old maid 

George Washington 

Robert Morris 

George Ross 

A Young quaker, Phoebe's lover 

A Fifer and Drummer, minor characters. 



FEB IQI92! 

2 ©CI.D 57447 



Costumes and General Characteristics of Characters 



Ladies 



Betsy Ross wears a short full dress, a white apron, and a cap, 
well trimmed with bright ribbons. She must understand the art 
of dramatic reading. 

Phoebe Allen wears a i)lain full dress, a cap, and apron. She 
shovild be able to sing well. 

Amanda Spooner wears dress, apron, bonnet, suitable to the 
time. 

Rachel Sympson, dressed in fashion of the day. She should 
be able to sing well. 

Abigail Hunter, plain and old-fashioned woman. 

Patience Loveall, much over dressed. 

Gentlemen 

George Washington / Attired as 

Robert Morris J soldiers of the 

George Ross ( period. 

Washington is more artistically attired. 

Young quaker wears a light colored suit much too small and 
adorned by patches. He wears a shoe and a boot, a broad rimmed 
hat and a taffy colored wig. 

The drummer and lifer are minor characters and remain 
back of screen. 

NOTE 

(i ) The sound of fife and drum should be heard before the 
curtain rolls up for first act, and now and then during play. 

(2) The star with five points which Betsy uses as pattern 
may be already cut out or marked in such a way there will be no 
trouble in having a perfect star for exhibition. 

A large flag may be used by placing a field of blue with the 
Thirteen stars arranged in circle over one on flag. 

3 



ACT I 

Home of Betsy Ross, Arch Street, Philadelphia, (old-fash- 
ioned furnishing. A number of chairs, a lounge, a clock, one or 
two home-made rugs on floor, a small table at one side of room 
with a family Bible upon it; a large table with bright-colored ma- 
terial scattered over it where Betsy is at work ; a spinning wheel 
on the opposite side of room where Phoebe is engaged. The 
sound of the fife and drum and the tramp of feet on the street 
interest Phoebe and now and then call her from her work to the 
window.) 

Betsy 

(Turns from table with the scissors in one hand and some 
bright material in the other.) 

"I would like to know, Phoebe Allen, what you are about. 
You have spent a good part of the afternoon going to the window 
and not one hank of yarn spun yet. The first thing you know the 
spring and summer will be gone and fall here, and the spinning 
not done." 

Phoebe 

(Resumes work) "I 'spose I'm a little excited over all that's 
goin' on in the street ; it's pretty hard to work when there is so 
much to see and hear." 

Betsy 

"I am about out of patience with you, for I just can't endue 
shiftlessness. 

"The real truth of the matter, you are watching some likely 
young man as he gets ready for war. The first thing you know 
you will try to join the army and go to the war too." 

Phoebe 

"Thee does not know what thee is a talkin' about : Madam 
Betsy, a Quaker maid knows that war is a wicked thing. Thee 
must not kill." (The noise on the street again calls Phoebe to the 
window. She turns to Betsy much excited.) 

Phoebe 

"There are three of the Continental soldiers a comin' to this 

4 



house this very minute. Sure as thee Hves they are comin' here. 
What if they think thee is a Tory? I'd just Hke to know what 
thee woukl do then, Madam Betsy." 

Betsy 

"Why, I would do just what I am doing now, work of course 
for a hving. Let them come ; it will not take long for them to 
learn that Betsy Ross is not a Tory nor a friend to King George 
either. You don't need to feel afraid, Phoebe, for they are not 
the first soldiers to come to my place of business and they are not 
likely to be the last: (knock at door). Go, Phoebe, and see what 
they want." (Phoebe goes to the door and presently returns fol- 
lowed by George Ross, George Washington and Robert Morris. 
Each man carries his hat in hand ; Washington also carries a large 
scroll. Betsy arises as the men enter.) 

George Ross 

"Why, sister Betsy, how-do-you-do! (shakes hands) Madam 
Ross this is General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of 
the army. (Betsy courtesies and shakes hands.) This other gen- 
tleman (turning to Morris) is Robert Morris, the man who has 
charge of our war-pocket-book." (Betsy again courtesies and 
shake shands.) 

Washington 

"So this is Madam Betsv Ross we have heard so much about 
of late?" 

Betsy 

"Yes, I am Betsy Ross of Arch Street ; just plain Betsy Ross, 
the widow of John Ross. (Turns to Phoebe) Set up some chairs, 
Phoebe, for these men." (The chairs are brought and the men 
are seated). 

George Ross 

"Betsy, these men have called to see you this afternoon upon 
a little matter of business pertaining to the army, and to the Con- 
gress." 

Betsy 

(Turns to Washington.) "I do hope, General, you have not 

5 



decided to call the wives and mothers into the army and have come 
to tell me about it." 

Washington 

"The wives and mothers are already in the war, whether they 
ever go into open battle or not. War is a horrible thing, a queer 
way for sane people to settle their difficulties. I am sick and tired 
of it all. Women and children are supposed to be exempt from it 
at least ; we do not aim to make war upon them, but in the end 
they are the ones who suffer most from it. We are already greatly 
indebted to the women of the Colonies for their heroic service. 
They have been equal to every emergency. If this thing keeps up, 
we are going to be forced to make greater calls upon their time 
and strength." 

Betsy 

"I want you to know. General, right now that 1 am with you 
to do my part. For our brothers across the sea must realize that 
while we are few in number, we cannot and must not submit to 
tyranny." 

Washington 

"We are all going to do our best. I don't see how we can fail 
to prove to the world that we have the right to be free with so 
many of our loyal hearted women working and praying for us as 
they are. 

For in the name of our God to the battle we v/ill go. 
In the name of our God we will conquer every foe 
For the God of heaven our King will be 
And will give us victory, Yes a glorious victory !" 

Betsy 

"I sincerely hope and pray it may be so." 

Washington 

(Looks at clock) "I see the time is going so I must hasten to 
tell you. Madam Ross, why we have called upon you this afternoon. 
Congress has decided we need but one flag which should be made 
suitable for the use in the various regiments and colonies. We 
three are the committee named by Congress to make some plan 
for obtaining such a flag. Your brother here (turning to Ross) 



tells us that you are an expert needle woman ; and that you are in 
the habit of making and designing flags. We thought you might 
be able to help us out ; or to make some suggestion, whereby such 
a flag may be made." 

Betsy 

"Yes, I have made many flags — all shapes, sizes, colors and 
designs. I have often wondered when at work on these flags, why 
so many were necessary? If we are to be one country, as we hope 
to be, then we should be such a hig country that we will have room 
for but one fl.ag." 

Washington 

"Ever since I have been in charge of the army, I have been 
greatly confused and troubled over the great number and variety 
of flags in use. For example : Massachusetts has a flag bearing the 
design of a pine tree ; South Carolina has a design of a rattlesnake ; 
New York has a white flag with a black beaver outlined upon it ; 
and Rhode Island, a white flag with a blue anchor, and so it goes. I 
believe we are to the place where something must be done." 

Morris 

"Do you think. Madam Ross, that you will be able to help us 
out of this difificulty ?" 

Betsy 

"I am sure I don't know what I can do. I might try, although 
I am a very busy woman as you no doubt already know, but what 
plan have you to ofifer for the making of such a flag ; you surely 
have thought of something?" 

Ross 

(Turns to Washington) "Show her the drawing you have 
there in your hand. General." (Washington goes to the table and 
spreads the scroll out before Betsy while he speaks ; both he and 
Betsy bend over the table.) 

Washington 

"You see, it is this way : Congress voted to have the one flag, 
and, as there are thirteen colonies, it was suggested there should 
be thirteen stripes alternating red and white ; a field of blue in the 



left-hand corner with thirteen white stars scattered over it. Each 
star is to have six points." 

Betsy 

"I like the idea of the thirteen stripes and the field of blue in 
the left-hand corner, but I don't think the stars should have six 
points, for that is an English design. What you should have is 
the French star with five points." (Betsy takes up scissors and 
paper and very quickly cuts out a star with five points and holds 
it up to view ; the three men examine the pattern. ) 

Morris 

"I believe Madam Ross has the right idea of what we want, 
General. The white stars with the five points arranged about on 
the field of blue, I am sure, will be quite good looking. When this 
war has become a thing of the past and if we are able to prove to 
the world that the people of these Thirteen Colonies have the 
right to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness, there will then, 
no doubt, be many from across the sea who will want to find a 
home here in this country. There will naturally be many new- 
states formed and the flag will grow larger by the addition of 
many stripes and stars." 

Betsy 

"Since you gentlemen have solicited my opinion, I am going 
to be quite free to express it. I, too, hope this country will grow 
to be a world power and that many new states will be added to 
the union. The thirteen stars which we have now should be ar- 
ranged in a circle so that no one colony will take precedence over 
another. It will be well to add a star to the flag as each new state 
is admitted, but not a stripe if the flag is to remain in proportion 
and be a thing of beautv ; I judge that is what vou would want it 
to be." 

Morris 

"I feel that we are quite safe in leaving the order for this flag 
with Madam Ross. She seems to know our needs more than we 
know them ourselves." (Ross nods to Morris and looks quite 
pleased.) 

Washington 
"How soon do you think you will be able to show us how this 



design will look when worked out? 1 am taking it for granted 
that you are going to do the work for us." 

Betsy 

"Let me see, (thinks) this is Thursday. I believe this time 
next week, if all goes well, I can show you a sample of the flag 
you have proposed. It may not be what you want — that — we will 
find out later." (During the call Phoebe spends her time alternat- 
ing between the wheel and the window. As Betsy finishes her 
reply, she turns and with hands and arms akimbo suddenly de- 
velops great interest in the visitors.) 

Washington 

"We will be here, say, in one week from today, about this 
time in the afternoon. I hope you will be all in readiness for us. 
I know this committee will look forward with anxiety, pleasure, 
and anticipation to the time when we will return." 

Betsy 

"I'll do my best to be ready for you." 

Washington 

"I feel that a great responsibility has been lifted from our 
shoulders and that we have made no mistake in coming to you. 
Madam Ross." 

Betsy 

"I hope you will not be disappointed." 

Washington 

(Turns to men) "Gentlemen, I think we have consumed as 
much of Madam Ross's time as we have any right to. Let us say 
good afternoon and make our way back to the camp for the men 
are quite likely now looking for us." 

(The three men arise, Betsy follows to the door, courtesies 
and shakes hands with each of them as they depart.) 

CURTAIN 



ACT II 

Home of Rachel Sympson. 

(Plain and old-fashioned furnishing. A table near center of 
room where Rachel sits, her head resting upon one hand.) 

Rachel 

"Oh dear ! Oh dear ! It seems it's nothing but war, war, war 
these days. It almost broke my heart to stand back and see my 
only boy go into it ; maybe to be shot down like a dog. I just won- 
der if the time ever will come we read about when the sword will 
be beaten into the ploughshare, and the spear into the pruning 
hook ; when nations will cease to rise up against nations ; when we 
will not have any more war. But I promised Sammy I was goin' 
to be brave, so I must be. (Lifts head from hand, wipes face and 
eyes upon corner of apron, takes knitting from table, and as she 
knits, rocks and sings the following song to the tune of Nellie 
Grey, accompanied by orchestra.) 

With my scrip and staff within my hand 
I'll cheer my way with song 
Oh so boldly I'll march along the way. 
It may be rough and thorny but 'twill not be very long. 
For 'twill end in Paradise of God. 
Chorus Oh in that blessed mansion 

Where He's gone to make me room, 

I never will have sorrow any more 

I'm waiting, waiting, waiting till the Lord will call me 

home. 
Then with joy I will leave this weary shore. 

(Repeat chorus. A knock at door.) Land sakes ! Who do 
you 'spose is come now? (Lays down knitting and goes to door.) 
Why Patience Loveall I was just wonderin' who was at the door 
and so it's you that's come. Do walk in (shakes hands.) 

Patience 

"Yes, Rachel, this is what's left of me." 

Rachel 

"I'm real glad to see you. Patience, for I've been mighty lone- 
some today just a sittin' here a thinkin' of my boy Sammy, who 

10 



went into the army yesterday. But do take a chair and lay off 
your things." 

(Patience sits down and removes her hat and wrap, gives 
them to Rachel who lays them to one side, and then resumes her 
knitting. Patience takes quilt-patch from large hand-hag and pre- 
pares to sew.) 

Patience 

"Pm real tired, Rachel. It's almost about all I could do to 
get over here." 

Rachel 

"Pve not seen anything of you for so long, how has your 
health been?" 

Patience 

(Sighing, and in a distressed voice) "Not very well, I seem 
to be all out of sorts, and run down." 

Rachel 
"What is it that's ailin' you, Patience?" 

Patience 

"Oh, it's just my nerves. I wonder sometimes if Pve got too 
many nerves or if Pm a lackin' some. Pve not been any place for 
so long I do hope my comin' over here will not give me another 
set-back and cause me to send for the doctor again tonight. Pll 
take a dose of my medicine now if you'll give me a little water, 
Rachel. (Patience takes large bottle and spoon from hand-bag 
and Rachel gets water. Patience takes dose, showing by actions 
that it is a great ordeal.) 

Rachel 

"What sort of medicine are you a takin' Patience?" 

Patience 

"I don't know what it is. 1 told the doctor to fix up some- 
thing that would be good for most everything, and he would not 
miss it. Pve had about all there is to have exceptin' bronchitis ; 
Pve never had that yet. Aly lungs seem to be fairly strong, con- 

11 



siderin' everything. (Patience coughs.) So you see, it's not much 
wonder my nerves are all shattered to pieces." 

Rachel 

"I've got a remedy that might be just the thing for you. The 
fact in the matter, it's good either on the inside or the outside. 
I tried it on my foot and you'd hardly believe it, but it took off a 
bunion of years' standin' slick and clean. So you see it's a power- 
ful medicine." 

Patience 

"Goodness knows, Rachel, I'd like to give it a trial ; I'm willin' 
to try most anything that will help me out of my suft'erin.' " 

Rachel 

"I know it would be good for you, for there's so many yarbs 
in it ; just all sorts and kinds and it takes a long time to get it 
ready." 

Patience 

"I'm willin' to give it a trial if it don't take too long in the 
makin', I'd not want to die while it's being fixed. I think some 
days I'm a good deal better and then the first thing I know some- 
thing has happened to all upset me again. 

Rachel 

"I'd like to know what's been goin' on over to your place to 
cause your nerves to be so shattered ?" 

Patience 

"Quite a plenty, I must say. Only yesterday the boys were 
all over there drillin'. John, brother Tom's oldest boy, was in the 
drillin' too. They would march forward, then they'd halt and then 
go backwards. When they went backwards, John fell into the open 
well which Tom keeps to water his cows and mules from. Sally 
Ann and me both happened to see it and rushed out a screamin' 
to top of our voice, 'John's in the well.' That big-headed Captain 
just said, please stand back, for women don't know nothin' t'all 
about war. They got John out, of course, but that broke up the 
drillin' for that time and I was glad enough. Land knows ! It is 
an ill wind that blows nobody any good. I'm sure." 

12 



Rachel 

"Well, well, Patience, that was a plenty to try most any body's 
nerves." 

Patience 

"I should reckon it was, but that's not all that's happened, by 
a good deal. Tom's second girl, Almeda, got a notion into her 
head to marry that goo-for-nothin' Bob Evans. I don't know 
what she wanted with him and I told her so, too. She said, 'Why, 
he is just a perfect wonder.' I said. 'I s'pose he is, for I guess 
there's wonders to be found in the shallows as same as in the 
deeps.' I've always looked at matrimony in such a serious way, 
maybe too serious, Rachel. There is one thing sure, Fm not a 
goin' to be in any great hurry ; Fve got plenty of time. Two into 
the harness don't always make a pair you know." (Knock at 
door. Rachel lays down knitting and goes to door.) 

Rachel 

"Of all things, if there hain't Manda Spooner that's come. 
Looks like my friends hain't forgot me after all." (Manda enters 
and shakes hands.) 

Manda 

"Why, Patience, are you here ? How has your health been 
anyway ?" 

Patience 

(Sighs, and in a distressed voice) "About like comin'. no 
better, and I hope not any worse." 

Rachel 

"Lay off your things and make yourself to home, Manda." 
(Manda lays aside bonnet and shawl and as she takes a chair she 
nods to Rachel.) 

Manda 

"I 'spose, Patience, you didn't know that old Billy Hicks was 
married last night?" 

Patience 

(Sarcastic) "No, I didn't know anything about it. No one 
cares if he was. You don't need to be tellin' me about it, Manda 

13 



Spooner, I'm not goin' to be any one's second choice ; it's first love 
or none for me." 

Manda 

"I'd think most anyone would be glad to help the old man 
spend some of his money. You ought to send good wishes to him." 

Patience 

"If I send anything it would be my best wishes that his wife 
will be able to keep him clean, for it's more than the first woman 
could do. But when was he married ?" 

Manda 

"About seven o'clock last night. A quarter till seven I saw 
old Billy and the new preacher pass my place. They both had on 
their Sunday best and was walkin' pretty fast toward where the 
widder Strong lives. Susan Parker was a tellin' me day before 
yesterday that she guessed that the widder Strong had at last 
landed old Billy. I think myself it's about time, for she has 
camped all spring on her front porch just to get to talk to him as 
he would pass her house. (Looks out at window) Rachel, I just 
then saw that old deaf Abigail Hunter pass your window. I know 
she's a comin' in here. I hope she'll not stay long, for no one 
wants to see her here. (Knock at door, Rachel goes to the door.) 

Rachel 

(Speaks loud) "Why, howdy, Abigail, come right in." 
(Shakes hands. Abigail lays aside bonnet and shawl and at once 
gets her knitting from basket.) 

Abigail 

"I never thought I'd be findin' you a bavin' company, Rachel." 

Manda 

"I'm real glad to see you, Abigail. How has your health 
been this spring?" 

Abigail 
(Puts hand to ear) "Hey?" 

14 



Manda 

"You talk to her, Rachel. The old deaf thing can't hear 
thunder." 

Rachel 

(Goes close to Abigail) "Manda was just askin' about your 
health; if you are well?" 

Abigail 

"Why, yes, I've got nothin' to complain about ; I'm as well 
as common. I walked a good part of the way over here. I come 
as far as the cross-roads with Jonathan as he was a goin' over to 
see that terrible poor family over by Phil Jordan's. Nothin' would 
do but he must carry a poke of meal and a side of bacon along 
over to 'em. I didn't think it was the thing to do, but there's no 
stoppin' Jonathan when he once gets a notion into his head. 
He'd give away the last thing he's got if someone would 
just ask him for it ; I don't believe it's right to be encouragin' 
idleness myself. 

Rachel 

"Why. Abigail, that's the family we are all a wantin' to help. 
The father and son are both in the army. The son went first, and 
the father decided one day when he was at work in the field that 
he would go, too. He left his team a standin' and went right off, 
never takin' time to tell his wife he was a goin'." 

Abigail 

"I didn't know nothin' t'all about it." 

Rachel 

"Now that you do know, Abigail, don't you think you would 
like to do something yourself for this family ?" 

Abigail 
"I might send 'em over a gallon of soft soap." 

Rachel 
"It's somethin' to eat we want to send." 

Abigail 

"I'd better talk it over with Jonathan before I promise any- 
thing." 

15 



Patience 

"What are you goin' to take to the fair, Abigail?" 

Abigail 

Smoothes hair) "Yes, my hair is a gettin' some gray, but 
Jonathan says when I'm dressed up I look like a sixteen-year old 
girl." 

Manda 

"What sort of a quilt are you now a makin', Patience?" 

Patience 

"It's called the 'Lover's Knot' ; I got the pattern from Betsy 
Ross." 

Manda 

"Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! I guess you're havin' a pretty hard time a 
gettin' the knot tied, hain't ye. Patience?" 

Patience 

(Sarcastic) "I'm sure it's no one's business if I am. I've not 
asked for any of your help, Manda Spooner." 

Rachel 

"When did you see Betsy Ross, Patience?" 

Patience 

"It's been quite a while. She gave me this pattern long in the 
winter. Betsy has so much work to do, she don't get away from 
home very often." 

Manda 

"I guess she's not so busy she can't be havin' a lot of com- 
pany." 

Rachel 

"Have you seen her, Manda?" 

Manda 

"No, I've not seen Betsy. I saw Phoebe Allen last week, the 
Quaker girl who is helpin' with the work over at Betsy's place." 

16 



Rachel 

"And what was Phoebe havin' to say?" 

Manda 

"Oh, she was a sayin' a good many things, some you'd not 
Hkely beheve even if I was to tell. I guess I'd best not say any- 
thing more. The least said is always the easiest mended." 

Rachel 

"You don't need to feel afraid of Patience or me a tellin* any- 
thing, and Abigail will never know a word about it." 

Manda 

"I 'spose I had just as well tell ye for it's somethin' that's 
going to get out anyhow. It's too bold to be kept quiet very long. 
Phoebe was a tellin' me that Betsy is usin' the English tea right 
along on her table. You know, Rachel, as well as I do, that such 
work as that is being a traitor, when all the women agreed to quit 
usin' the tea." 

Patience 

"How do you know, Manda, it was the green tea she's usin' ? 
It might be some other kind of tea." 

Manda 

"Why, of course, it was nothin' else but that. Phoebe says 
that Betsy uses her china tea pot every day, wedgewood ware, and 
that bein' English, is a proof enough that if she'd use one she'd 
use the other too. I 'spose she thinks she can go on a drinkin' 
her tea and it will never be found out." 

Patience 

"You can't make me believe, Manda, that Betsy is guilty of 
any such a thing. She is one of the most loyal women to be found 
anywhere." 

Manda 

(Indignant) "Maybe Miss Loveall you'll not believe it 
either when I tell ye that Betsy had three of the Continental Sol- 
diers at one time last week to call on her ; Phoebe heard one of 
them say he'd be back in just one week and he hoped she'd be 
all ready." 

17 



Rachel 

"You are surely not a thinkin' that Betsy has another new 
beau. Why, she is to marry Captain Joseph Ashburn the 15th 
of June, they say." 

Manda 

"I don't know what she's a goin' to do. I know one thing, if 
I was in Betsy's place, I'd wait until my first man's tracks got out 
of the yard before I set out and was so bold a havin' any callers." 

Rachel 

"Betsy Ross is young and good-lookin' and we can't blame her 
if she has company, or if she was to get married again. John Ross 
has been dead now quite a bit over a year. I mind the time when 
he died as well as if it was today. You surely hain't forgot it, 
Manda? He was on Military guard down on the Delaware River 
and was wounded. He was brought home and lived several weeks. 
Betsy took such good care of him night and day as long as he 
lived ; I'll not forget very soon how Betsy grieved when hope was 
given up of savin' his life, nor how she cried the mornin' John 
died, when she said to me, 'Rachel, John Ross has made the su- 
preme sacrifice to help the people of these Thirteen Colonies to be 
free.' I was at the funeral down in the old Swedes church and 
you was there too, Manda, I saw you. You are getting mighty 
forgetful if you don't remember that." 

Manda 

(Looks at clock, puts away work and prepares to go) "I see 
it's gettin' late and I'd better be goin' ; I've got some work to do 
yet before dark. I want to go see Betsy Ross tomorrow. She 
will be expectin' her callers at that time. I'm a goin' to find out 
the truth, just what the company she's a havin' means, then, if 
some busy-body gets it into their head to start a tale of gossip, I 
can stop it pretty quick. If there is a thing I can't stand, Rachel, 
it's this gossipin' and tellin' tales on your friends." 

Patience 

(Lays aside work and prepares to go) "I'll be a goin' too. I 
want to rest my nerves a little more so that I'll be strong enough 
to get over to see Betsy tomorrow myself." 

18 



Abigail 

(Looks up surprised) "Why are you folks a goin' now? I'll 
have to wait on Jonathan ; he said he would come for me." 

Rachel 

(Goes to door) "I hope you will both come back real soon. 
Now don't wait so long about it next time. If I can get through 
with my work in time. I'll try and get over to see Betsy." 

Manda 

"Patience and me will expect to see you there. It's your duty 
to go, Rachel." 

CURTAIN 



19 



ACT III 

(Betsy busy with work at the table; Phoebe preparing the 
tea-table at the opposite side of room, and as she works she sings 
a very sentimental love song. During the time her Quaker lover 
enters room, unobserved by Betsy. Phoebe continues to sing ac- 
companied by orchestra and at the same time shows by her actions 
that the young man must keep silent. She gives him some article 
of food which he hurriedly gulps down. At the end of the second 
verse Betsy turns toward Phoebe giving the young man barely 
time to make his exit.) 

Betsy 

"I do wish you could do your work and not sing so much. 
You're going to drive me mad if you don't stop it pretty soon." 

Phoebe 

"I'm so happy it seems to me I'll want to sing the rest of my 
life. Like once when I had a tooth pulled I was that tickled I was 
plum skeart. When the heart is so full of joy, the gladness just 
bubbles over and thee can't help it." 

Betsy 

"There seems then to be more in your heart than your head. 
I don't see how you can even think of a song, much less sing one, 
when there is so much sorrow and sadness all about us." 

Phoebe 

"Well, I'm happy just the same (dances about room). I be- 
lieve I'd want to sing even if I was to see a bullet come thru that 
window there." (Points to window.) 

Betsy 

"That would depend on what the bullet hit. You might have 
to sing your swan song, Phoebe." 

Phoebe 

"Ha, Ha, Ha! I'd like to know what's that; I'll bet thee 
never heard a swan sing, Madam Betsy." 

20 



Betsy 

"O Phoebe. Phoebe, what are you coming to ! I wish you 
would go to your work." 

Phoebe 

(Rushes over to Betsy with dish in one hand and tea-towel in 
other.) "I'd be so pleased if I could sing this one song for it is 
so nice." 

Betsy 

"Well, go on and sing and then stop ; I would like a chance 
to think." (Phoebe takes her place near the center of room and 
sings. At same time she works vigorously with dish and towel. 
Every now and then the young Quaker thrusts his head in at the 
door. At the close of her song, Phoebe makes her exit. Knock 
at door.) 

"Go and see who is at the door. Phoebe!" (Knock again.) 
Betsy turns around to find the girl has disappeared. She lays her 
work on table, arises, and looks about the room. 

"I wonder where she has gone to now ; I have come to the 
place where I can't depend upon her for one thing !" (Opens door. ) 

"Why, Patience Loveall, so it's you that has come. Come in ! 
(Shakes hands.) I am glad to see you, but sit down and lay aside 
vour things." 

Patience 

(Patience fairly drops into a chair out of breath. She re- 
moves things and hands them to Betsy who lays them to one side 
and then resumes her work at the table.) "I'm tired enough, good- 
ness knows, Betsy, to take a chair and never to get up. I walked 
so fast a comin' over here and then bein' all run down to begin 
with ; it was just a little more than I'm equal to standin'. 

Betsy 

"Why. what is your trouble. Patience? I had no idea that 
you had poor health." 

Patience 

"It's just my nerves, now, Betsy, pure nerves ; a sort of lettin' 

21 



up of the many things I've fell heir to in the way of afflictions. 
It's terrible to be so nervous ; why, my hands and feet are that 
numb it's a perfect miracle that I'm a livin' and breathin' today. 
I just thought if I'd come to see you that maybe you'd cheer me 
up a spell. I'll declare, I wanted to get here in time for my next 
dose of medicine. (Looks at clock.) I see it's run over four 
minutes and it will be five before I can get it down to save my life. 
I do hope it will not make any difiference. If you'll hurry and give 
me some water, I'll try and take it." (Betsy gets water and Pa- 
tience takes a large bottle and spoon from basket and takes medi- 
cine.) 

Betsy 

"It might do you good. Patience, to lie down there on the 
lounge for a while." 

Patience 

(Patience goes to lounge with a great deal of efifort.) "I ex- 
pect it would, for I'm mighty shaky." 

Betsy 

(Knock at door. Betsy goes to door.) 

"Well, well, it seems it never rains but what it pours ! Manda 
Spooner and Rachel Sympson ! What is going to happen ? I 
thought you had both forgotten me. I guess you have planned a 
surprise party for me. But do walk in and lay off your things." 
(The two women enter and lay aside their wraps and take chairs.) 

Manda 

(Turns to Patience as she lays aside things) "Why, howdy 
Patience. You here too ? It does look like we are givin' Betsy a 
surprise for sure." 

Patience 

"Yes, I'm here, Manda, but that's about all I can say. I'm 
so weak." 

Manda 

(Gives Rachel a nod.) "It might be, Betsy, that if you could 
make her a cup of good strong English tea it would strengthen 
her and be good to quiet her nerves." 

22 



Betsy 

(Earnestly.) "What are you talking about, Mancla Spooner? 
When the women of the Thirteen Colonies agreed to not use any 
more of the English tea, that included me, for I'm not a Tory. 
Could you make that kind of tea for her, Manda, if she was at your 
house ?" 

Manda 

"Well, no, Betsy, I couldn't ; for I put all mine in the lire. J 
just thought you might have saved a drawing or two to use in case 
of sickness." 

Betsy 

"I have none of the grene tea to use either in sickness or in 
health. I could not give Patience a cup of it even if it was to save 
her life. But I will be glad to make her some spice-wood or sage 
tea if she wants it." 

Patience 

"Never mind, Betsy ; don't put yourself to any trouble for 
Tm feelin' some stronger." (The two women knit and Betsy re- 
sumes her place at table.) 

Betsy 

"It seems I have so much to do I will have to go on with my 
work while we visit." (Knock at door, Betsy lays aside work and 
opens door. The two women nod very knowingly at each other. 
Betsy courtesies as George Washington, Robert Morris, and Geo. 
Ross enter. Patience hastily leaves the lounge and takes chair, 
arranging her hair with great care.) 

Washington 

"I hope, Madam Ross, we are not going to spoil an afternoon 
party for you by our coming." 

Betsy 

"Oh, no, General Washington, not at all; it is just some of 
my old neighbors who have come in for a little visit. Mrs. Spoon- 
er, Mrs. Sympson and Patience Loveall ([wints to each of the 
women). Ladies, this is General George Washington and Robert 

23 



Morris and George Ross, my brother-in-law." (The men bow 
very poHtely and Manda and Rachel recognize the introduction by 
a nod, and Patience arises and makes a very elaborate curtsy. 
Betsy gives the men chairs.) 

Washington 

"I trust, Madam Ross, that you were expecting us and that 
you are ready for us ?" 

(Manda looks at Rachel and nods.) 

Betsy 

"I think so. General, and I ho]:)e your committee will be 
pleased with v/hat I have done." ( Betsy goes to the back of the 
room, pulls a cord and a beautiful iiag is slowly unfolded before 
them. As the orchestra plays "Three Cheers for the Red, White 
and Blue" all stand amazed, Manda and Rachel continue to knit — 
rapidly.) 

Washington 

"I must say that I am surprised and astonished beyond meas- 
ure. I never thought it would be one-half as beautiful." 

George Ross 

(Goes close to Washington and puts hand on shoulder.) 'T 
told you, General, that my sister Betsy was an artist and I guess 
now you see that what I told you is true." ( Washington and Ross 
each examine the flag.) 

Patience 

(Goes close to Morris.) "Would you like a drink of water? ' 

Morris 

"I thank you, Madam, I am not at all thirsty." 

Patience 

"I'm not Madam, I'm Miss Patience Lovcall." 

Morris 

"I beg your pardon. Miss Loveall." (The sound of fife is 
heard on the street playing "Yankee Doodle.") 

24 



Patience 
"Do you like music?" 

Morris 
"Why, yes, I like good music." 

Patience 

"Oh, so do T. I like it quite lively too; sometimes I think 
there is somethin' inspirin' about the song 'Yankee Doodle' even 
if it is an English tune." 

Morris 

"Indeed!" 

Patience 

"I 'spose I'm just a little giddy once in a while, but you know 
you can't put an old head on young shoulders. There are quite a 
few things I can do, even if my folks do call me a silly young 
miss." 

Morris 

"I judge then you are quite an accomplished young lady?" 

Patience 

(Tries to appear confused and embarrassed.) "Oh, I don't 
know about that. I do line to keep house and I like to cook. I 
can cook and keep house real good. I sing too, but not so very 
well. I just sing loud." 

Washington 

(Turns to Morris.) "Come, Morris, and examine the work 
on this flag. It's a perfect marvel to me. (Turns to Betsy.) 1 
don't see. Madam Ross, how we are ever going to be able to pay 
you for such artistic work." 

Betsy 

I did not know I was expected to receive pay for doing what 
I call my duty. Have you not yet come to the place, General, 
where you are able to realize there are some things in this life 

25 



too sacred to be polluted by even the mere mention of compensa- 
tion?" 

Washington 

"You have received pay for the flags you have made in the 
past. Why not for this one? It seems to me it is a matter of 
business, since the needle is the weapon with which you keep the 
wolf from the door." 

Betsy 

"Yes, I have made many flags and I have taken pay for my 
labor, but this is the first time I have made a flag to represent a 
nation, a whole country. So it is my flag as well as your flag. It 
means a great deal or it means nothing. This history of this flag 
will be the history of the Thirteen Colonies. If it lives and floats 
and the breeze, it will mean life to us. if not, the chances are a rope 
will dangle over the heads of a good many people and you. Gen- 
eral, will perhaps be one of the number." 

Washington 

"What care I if they hang me, provided the rope by which I 
am hanged binds these Thirteen Colonies into one free and inde- 
pendent nation ? But I never once thought you would consider 
the making of this flag such a serious thing. Have you lost your 
courage. Madam Ross ? Are you afraid ?" 

Betsy 

"No, I have not lost my courage ; far from it ; neither am I 
afraid. With the blood of my ancestors tingling in my veins I 
could not very well be a coward, but it is best to not be too sanguine 
in the matter. This is a time which tries men's souls and women's 
too. The struggle in which we are engaged, includes all of us. 
When old Liberty Bell chimed forth her message less than one year 
ago my ears were not so deaf nor my heart so dump as to 
not understand its meaning. Before I turned my hand to the work 
on this flag, 1 tried to get it clear in my mind just what this flag 
was to mean — just what I was expected to do. Then it was I 
turned to this old Book, the Book in whose teaching you rely, and 
upon which our ancestors pinned their faith. I wanted to see what 
message 1 might find here. This is what I read. (Opens Book 
and reads.) Proclaim liberty to all the inhabitants and to all the 

26 



nations thereof. Just what Liberty Bell declared when it was 
rung. So then I understood this flag I was to design was to mean 
liberty. Every color, liberty ; every form of star and beam or 
stripe of light, must mean liberty. When I did take up the work 
I felt I must try and stitch into the warp and woof of this flag 
some of the principles of democracy. 1 believe that God is watch- 
ing this little band of people ; that He is going to make of this land 
a cradle of liberty and will rock it to and fro with omnipotent 
arms and as the nations hear the thunder of the rocking, I pray 
it may never cease till liberty will need rocking no more." 

Washington 

"I see, I see now quite plainly it is a serious thing. Strange 
I have been so stupid. I have been so busy with war matters, I 
will confess, I had not stopped to really analyze what our commit- 
tee had asked you to do. Now that I do understand, let me ask 
you to pardon my seeming indifiference. Now that I must stand 
sponsor for the Continental Congress, may I add a blessing too ? 
(Takes each of Betsy's hands in his.) May your cup be full and 
overflowing with the good things of this life. What you have this 
day done 1 believe will be told in long years from now for this 
flag will live. While the spirit of prophesy is upon me, I feel it is 
safe to say that generation after generation will listen with eager- 
ness to hear the story of the birth of the flag. Your name will be 
blazoned upon the tablet of the heart and become a household 
word, for you were the one who made 

First of the flags of earth to dare 

A heraldry so high 

First of the flags of earth to bear 

The blazons of the sky ; (takes up corner of flag) 

Long may thy constellations glow 

Foretelling happy fate — 

Wider each starry circle grow 

And every star a state. 

Let us hope that this splendid banner will give us high ideals of 
National character, ideals that will exclude the jingo, the buUv 
and the public charlatan, ideals that will dedicate our conscience 
to a deep love of Country. I have said enough. Madam Ross, and 
more than enough, to manifest the spirit in which this flag is re- 
ceived. As we lift it to the gale and see the sign of hope upon the 

27 



storm clouds which roll andrattle about it, I am sure it will speak 
for itself more eloquently than I can speak for it." 

(Phoebe dressed in colors of the flag and wearing a cap cov- 
ered with stars suddenly appears on the scene holding the hand 
of her lover. A semi-circle is formed about Betsy, while all join 
in singing "The Star Spangled Banner.") 

CURTAIN 



28 
















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